bone broth hot chocolate
bone broth hot chocolate is a medium Fusion recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Glow with Ella on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 30 min
Cost: $20.02 total, $10.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Bone Broth (homemade or high‑quality store‑bought, preferably chicken or beef)
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (preferably Dutch‑process for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (adjust sweetness to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla for best aroma)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (enhances chocolate flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional, for warm spice note)
- 1 tablespoon Marshmallow Root Powder (dried and finely ground, provides soothing properties)
- 1 tablespoon Gelatin (powdered, unflavored)
- 1 tablespoon Collagen Peptides (unflavored, for skin‑supporting protein)
- ½ cup Water (for dissolving marshmallow mixture)
- 2 tablespoons Additional Honey (for marshmallows) (sweetens the marshmallows)
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for marshmallows) (adds flavor to marshmallows)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (for marshmallows) (balances sweetness)
Instructions
Heat Bone Broth
Pour 2 cups of bone broth into a saucepan and place over medium heat.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Chocolate Flavors
When the broth is warm (just below simmer), whisk in 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, and optional ¼ tsp ground cinnamon until fully dissolved.
Time: PT4M
Simmer Briefly
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Do not let it boil vigorously.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 185°F
Transfer to Mug
Remove the saucepan from heat and pour the hot chocolate into two mugs.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Marshmallow Base
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup water, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp marshmallow root powder, 1 tbsp gelatin, and 1 tbsp collagen peptides. Stir gently to disperse powders.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook Marshmallow Mixture
Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until it reaches a gentle boil (212°F) and the gelatin and collagen are fully dissolved, about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 212°F
Flavor Marshmallows
Stir in ½ tsp vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until the mixture is glossy.
Time: PT1M
Set Marshmallows
Pour the hot marshmallow mixture into a silicone mold or onto a parchment‑lined tray, spreading to about ½‑inch thickness. Let cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to fully set.
Time: PT25M
Top Hot Chocolate
Remove the set marshmallows, cut into bite‑size pieces, and place a handful on top of each mug of hot chocolate. The marshmallows will melt slightly, creating a fluffy, fragrant topping.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Paleo‑Friendly, Keto‑Adaptable (reduce honey if strict keto)
Allergens: Honey, Gelatin (animal derived)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bone Broth: vegetable broth, chicken stock
- Instead of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: cacao powder
- Instead of Honey: maple syrup, agave nectar
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Sea Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: ground nutmeg
- Instead of Marshmallow Root Powder: dried marshmallow root tea bags (crushed)
- Instead of Gelatin: agar‑agar powder (use ½ tsp), pectin
- Instead of Collagen Peptides: whey protein isolate, pea protein powder
- Instead of Water: herbal tea (light), unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Additional Honey (for marshmallows): maple syrup
- Instead of Vanilla Extract (for marshmallows): vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Sea Salt (for marshmallows): kosher salt
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mug
- Small Saucepan (for marshmallows)
- Silicone Marshmallow Mold or Small Baking Tray (optional)
- Spatula (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whisk cocoa powder thoroughly to avoid lumps (Step 2).
- Do not let the broth boil vigorously (Step 3).
- Allow gelatin and collagen to bloom before heating (Step 5).
- Remove marshmallow mixture from heat as soon as it reaches a boil to preserve texture (Step 6).
- Allow marshmallows to set completely before topping the drink (Step 8).
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality, collagen‑rich bone broth for maximum nutritional benefit.
- For an extra frothy texture, blend the hot chocolate briefly with an immersion blender before serving.
- Toast the marshmallows lightly with a kitchen torch for a caramelized surface before adding to the drink.
Troubleshooting
Marshmallow mixture stays runny and does not set.
Make sure the gelatin and collagen are fully bloomed before heating, and bring the mixture to a full boil (212°F). If still runny, add an extra ½ tsp gelatin dissolved in a little cold water.
Cocoa powder forms lumps in the hot chocolate.
Sift the cocoa powder before adding and whisk continuously while the broth is warm but not boiling.
Hot chocolate tastes too bitter.
Add a little more honey or a pinch of extra salt to balance the bitterness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover marshmallows in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Marshmallows freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before use.
Room temperature: Hot chocolate is best served immediately; leftovers can be reheated gently on the stove.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the medicinal marshmallows a day ahead; they keep well refrigerated and can be stored in a sealed bag.
- Bone broth can be made in bulk and frozen in portions for future drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bone broth hot chocolate in modern wellness cuisine?
Bone broth hot chocolate blends traditional bone broth, a staple in many cultures for its healing properties, with classic hot chocolate, a comfort drink popular in Western societies. The combination reflects a contemporary wellness trend that seeks to merge nourishment with indulgence, offering both gut‑supporting nutrients and the soothing warmth of chocolate.
What are the traditional regional variations of medicinal marshmallows in herbal medicine traditions?
Medicinal marshmallows have roots in European herbal confectionery, where marshmallow root was mixed with egg whites and sugar. In modern adaptations, gelatin or collagen replaces egg whites, and sweeteners like honey are used. Variations may include adding licorice root, elderflower, or citrus zest depending on the regional herbal tradition.
How is bone broth hot chocolate traditionally served in health‑focused cafés?
In health‑focused cafés, bone broth hot chocolate is often served in a wide‑rimmed mug, topped with a few handcrafted medicinal marshmallows or a dusting of cocoa. It may be accompanied by a small side of raw cacao nibs for added texture and antioxidants.
What occasions or celebrations is bone broth hot chocolate traditionally associated with in wellness circles?
This drink is popular during cold‑weather wellness retreats, post‑workout recovery sessions, and as a comforting beverage for cold‑season immunity boosts. It’s also featured in seasonal “cozy” gatherings such as winter brunches or holiday wellness parties.
What makes bone broth hot chocolate special or unique in the broader fusion cuisine landscape?
The uniqueness lies in its marriage of savory, collagen‑rich broth with sweet chocolate, delivering a drink that is both comforting and nutritionally functional. It challenges the sweet‑only paradigm of hot chocolate by adding depth, minerals, and gut‑supporting gelatin.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bone broth hot chocolate at home?
Common mistakes include boiling the broth too vigorously, which can create a bitter taste, and not whisking the cocoa powder enough, leading to lumps. Additionally, overheating the marshmallow mixture can cause the gelatin to break down, resulting in a gummy texture.
Why does this recipe use gelatin and collagen instead of agar‑agar for the marshmallows?
Gelatin and collagen provide a soft, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture that mimics traditional marshmallows and also add skin‑supporting proteins. Agar‑agar creates a firmer, more rubbery consistency and lacks the additional collagen benefits.
Can I make the medicinal marshmallows ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, the marshmallows can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they will stay soft and can be used directly as a topping for the hot chocolate. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the marshmallows are properly set?
Properly set marshmallows should be firm enough to hold their shape when lifted with a spatula, yet still slightly tacky on the surface. They should have a smooth, glossy finish and a uniform off‑white color with no visible liquid pockets.
What does the YouTube channel Glow with Ella specialize in?
The YouTube channel Glow with Ella specializes in wholesome, nutrient‑dense recipes that combine comfort food with functional ingredients, focusing on gut health, skin wellness, and mood‑boosting meals.
How does the YouTube channel Glow with Ella's approach to functional beverages differ from other health‑food channels?
Glow with Ella emphasizes a balance of taste and science, often pairing traditional comfort flavors like chocolate with evidence‑based ingredients such as bone broth, marshmallow root, and collagen. This contrasts with many health channels that prioritize minimal flavor or purely supplement‑based drinks.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
